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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
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    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
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Week One NFL Picks

By: Matt Harmon

New England Patriots (0-0) at Buffalo Bills (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: E.J. Manuel vs. Patriots Defense
  • Despite early concerns, Manuel is healthy enough to start the regular season opener. I heard a surprising stat this week; the Patriots are only 3-3 versus rookie quarterbacks in their first starts. I figured a Bill Belichick team and defense would be better than that. Manuel is going to tip the scale one way or the other, lets watch!
My Pick: Patriots
  • For the big unveiling of their new look offense, the Patriots draw a pretty easy test. I already had the Bills as one of my worst teams, and now they will not have two of their best players, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Jarius Byrd. The Pats will run away with this one. 


Tennessee Titans (0-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Chris Johnson vs. Steelers front seven
  • Chris Johnson is a player that I have been really hard on the past few years. He is out of excuses this year since he finally had his offensive line remade. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers front seven is in a bit of a transition with a few veterans being shown the door. Which remade unit comes out on top on Sunday?
My Pick: Steelers
  • I think the Titans are a bottom five team, and despite some transition, the Steelers are still a formidable opponent every week. The Steelers win this one. 

 
Atlanta Falcons (0-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Falcons Offensive Line vs. Saints Defensive Line
  • Both of these units have been much maligned all summer. The Saints are moving and adjusting to a new scheme, and the Falcons are patching holes with unproven players like Lamar Holmes. The difference in this matchup could be emerging star defensive end, the Saints Cam Jordan. 

My Pick: Saints
  • The Saints are the home team, and my pick for division winner. In an exciting week one matchup that is sure to turn into a shootout, the Saints come out with a win. 



Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) at New York Jets (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Geno Smith vs. Darrelle Revis
  • Geno Smith came out this week and said he has not studied any film on the All-Pro corner. Well, that would be a huge mistake. Smith fell somewhat backwards into the starting job, and will face a major first test with the new members of the Tampa Bay secondary. 
My Pick: Buccaneers
  • The Buccaneers are the slightly more talented team, but I do not really trust either team very much. Geno could come out and surprise us, and Josh Freeman is always capable of putting a dolt out there. For now, I will stick with the Buccaneers. 

 
Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Cecil Shorts vs. Brandon Flowers
  • Brandon Flowers is an established strong NFL cornerback, and Cecil Shorts is one of my favorite young receivers in the league today. He is an under the radar type of player but a big week one could help him turn heads amongst fans. Also, if he gets by Flowers for a few of his trademark big plays, then we could see an upset here
My Pick: Chiefs
  • The Chiefs are being slightly overrated by the national media, but hey this is probably an easy win for them against the Jags. If the Chiefs struggle in this matchup, it will tell us a lot about them going forward.  

 
Cincinnati Bengals (0-0) at Chicago Bears (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Bengals Defensive Line vs. Bears Offensive Line
  • This is a matchup I circled immediately when looking at this game. The Bears rookies on the right side, tackle Jordan Mills and guard Kyle Long, really excelled in the preseason. Long especially, was dominant. They face a stiff first test on opening day going against a strong pass rushing defensive line with Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson, and Carlos Dunlap. 
My Pick: Bengals
  • This was a tough one to pick, but I think the matchup above favors the Bengals, and the Bears new offense may take at least a week to mesh. I would not be surprised if this game goes the other way. 

 
Miami Dolphins (0-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Lamar Miller vs. Browns front seven
  • The Browns remade their front seven and switched scheme. Desmond Bryant joins two massive run stuffers in Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor on the new 3-4 line. It should be interesting to see if new Dolphins starting running back, Lamar Miller, will find room to move against the Browns. He needs to step up if this team wants to get into the playoff mix.
My Pick: Browns
  • I am picking the Browns in something of an upset here. I am higher on the Browns than most people are and I think they take down a Dolphins team that still needs time for their new faces to gel. 

 
Seattle Seahawks (0-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Steve Smith vs. Richard Sherman
  • I was tempted to go with another line matchup, but that seems to be too prevalent in these picks. I think that if Carolina wants to beat the Seahawks then they will probably need Steve Smith to beat Sherman a few times. Smith is another year older, but does not seem to be slowing down. It will be up to the great Richard Sherman to keep him in check. Side note: can you even imagine the trash talking that is going to go one between these two, oh my. 
My Pick: Seahawks
  • The time difference could play a factor in this game for the Seahawks, but I still believe they are one of the best teams in the NFL. For that reason, I am picking them to win.  

 
Minnesota Vikings (0-0) at Detroit Lions (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Adrian Peterson vs. Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh
  • These are three great players, with Peterson obvious being the elite one in the group. While the Lions defensive tackles are some of the best in the game, their scheme also tends to have them play the run on the way to sacking the quarterback. That could work against most teams, but against Peterson, that could be a disaster. 
My Pick: Lions
  • Detroit is the home team here, and that is mostly why I have them winning. Peterson could run all over this team, but with the pressure that the Lions could put on Ponder, it may not be enough. 

 
Oakland Raiders (0-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Terrelle Pryor vs. the Colts defense
  • This is something of a broad matchup, but Pryor is such an unknown it is about the only choice to make. We know he has the potential to run around on this defense, but will he be able to supplement that with capable passing? The Raiders will need him to if they have any hopes of starting this season off well.
My Pick: Colts
  • I am supremely confident Andrew Luck and his boys come out and dominate the lowly Raiders. 


Arizona Cardinals (0-0) at St. Louis Rams (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Tavon Austin vs. Tyran Mathieu
  • These two rookies are incredibly versatile and explosive players on either side of the ball. Mathieu is likely to play all over the Cardinals defense after impressing the coaching staff. Fisher said that the team has not come close to unveiling the full plan for Tavon Austin in their offense. Whichever one of these rookies makes more plays, or beats the other, could be a huge factor in who wins this game. 
My Pick: Rams
  • The first matchup of the weaker of the NFC West teams will go to St. Louis. I am very excited to see the Rams unveil their new offense against an underrated Cardinals defense.  


Green Bay Packers (0-0) at San Francisco 49ers (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Colin Kaepernick vs. Clay Matthews
  • It could not be anything else. Last we saw these two teams play, Kaepernick was running all over the Packers defense. Matthews made a few comments saying that they plan on blasting the quarterback every chance they get. Jim Harbaugh naturally took offense and had a chat with the league. Basically, this all sets up for a great game. 
My Pick: 49ers
  • The 49ers are just the more physical team, and I tend to doubt the Packers will be able to establish Eddie Lacy in this game. Plus, it is hard to believe the Packers defense can even contain this offense after their display in January. 


New York Giants (0-0) at Dallas Cowboys (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Miles Austin vs. Giants secondary
  • Everyone knows that Dez Bryant is great, and therefore they have forgotten Miles Austin’s accomplishments. The Giants secondary is banged up and talent depleted. I am sure they will do everything in their power to keep Dez in check, and likely fail. If they do that, Austin will have the ability to remind everyone why he was once considered a top 10 NFL receiver. 
My Pick: Cowboys
  • The more time passes, the more down I get on the Giants. This passing attack in Dallas could really destroy this Giants defense and it could get ugly. 

 
Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Washington Redskins (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: Alfred Morris vs. Eagles front seven
  • The Eagles defense is a serious Achilles heel right now. The defense is moving to 3-4 and there are a lot of squares pegs in round holes right now. If Alfred Morris runs over this new defensive front and controls the game, it will not matter how RG3 plays on his surgically reconstructed knee. 
My Pick: Redskins
  • Things may begin to click with the Eagles as we get further into the season, but for now they should not be fully trusted. Hopefully RG3 does not have to do too much for this win and can take it easy in week one. 


Houston Texans (0-0) at San Diego Chargers (0-0)

Matchup to Watch: J.J. Watt vs. D.J. Fluker
  • The rookie right tackle has the unenviable task of trying to keep the best defensive player in the league in check. It is a task is wildly unprepared for, and it could spell trouble for the lowly Chargers. If Watt dominates this game, as I expect, then Rivers will be on his back a ton. 
My Pick: Texans
  • This one is pretty simple, the Texans are very good and the Chargers are very bad. There are a ton of mismatches in the favor of the Texans, and the talent differential is too strong for any upset. 

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